2010 Chrysler 300 Review
2010 Chrysler 300 The Chrysler 300 is a large five-passenger sedan with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. It's been designed to appeal to consumers desiring something with a bit more personality than a regular family sedan or an alternative to popular Japanese or European entry-luxury sedans. Buyers are usually either searching for a luxury sedan or a vehicle with muscle car like handling. Chrysler 300 competitors include the Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Impala. For 2010 side head-curtain airbags are now standard on all trim levels, where once Chrysler charged extra for that protection on the base model. The 300C now carries standard keyless entry and park assist, while heated mirrors are now standard on the Touring model. Architecture will be the same, but improvements will be made with multiple refinements. For fuel economy the 2010 300 gets City: 17 – 18 and Highway: 23 – 26. It has a starting MSRP of $27,260 – $37,415. Overall, the 2010 300 offers vast interior room, competitive pricing, and a pair of available V8 engines -- one powerful, one absurdly powerful.
300 Handling
The 2010 Chrysler 300 is a powerful and well controlled sedan. While the Hemi V8 gives an extra oomph of power, the V6 engines work great, and are more fuel efficient. For safety antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are optional on the base sedan and standard on higher trim levels. Side curtain airbags are standard. SmartBeam headlights automatically dim when they sense approaching traffic and are available for all trims.
Chrysler 300 Cabin
The 2010 cabin appears simple, clean, and refined. The dash area effectively combines sporty, semi-retro and luxury motifs. The 300 can seat five and has excellent rear seat space. Available options include a premium sound package from Boston Acoustics and an iPod interface with Chrysler's UConnect hands-free phone system. Limited and Signature trims include dual-zone automatic climate control. The instrument panel houses two large circular gauges, similar to those in the Ram, while a large display operating Chrysler's UConnect infotainment system tops the center console. The climate controls reside below the screen.
Powering the ’10 300
A 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 or a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 powers the 300. Both the long wheelbase and the four-wheel drive versions come only with the V6 engine. The V-8 featuring cylinder deactivation will carry over from the existing model, and it should offer increases in both power and fuel economy. Two V-6 engines are available, and the optional all-wheel-drive system features Chrysler's active transfer case and front-axle disconnect that automatically disengages the front axle from the drivetrain when all-wheel drive is not needed, in an effort to increase fuel economy.
2010 Chrysler 300 Design
With its huge chrome grille and 20-inch wheels, it resembles an art deco take on a Bentley or Rolls Royce more than something meant to compete with Toyotas and Fords. The 300 looks bold and imposing, flaunting a distinctive shape for a sedan. The large chrome grille, double-lens headlights, high beltline, bulging fenders and big wheels give it a strong presence on the road. Base models have heated mirrors, and there are optional auto-dimming, fold-away mirrors with memory features. Up front, Chrysler moves to a new corporate grille, first previewed on the Imperial concept and most recently, the 200C EV concept shown at the 2009 Detroit auto show. The upper body crease creates a gently arching shoulder in place of the straight and sharp line of the current model and the new 300 also loses the side molding, giving the upper crease more definition. Expect visibility to be improved though slimmer A-pillars, more glass, and a much smaller C-pillar created through the use of a small A-frame window at the rear. The 300 will again feature fender flares, but the lower part of the arch is much less prominent. The upper body crease creates a gently arching shoulder in place of the straight and sharp line of the current model, and the new 300 also loses the side molding, giving the upper crease more definition. Visibility is improved though slimmer A-pillars, more glass, and a much smaller C-pillar created through the use of a small A-frame window at the rear.
Conclusions
The aging Chrysler 300 still wins points for style, and in upper trim levels, for pure power. But exciting new competitors have hit dealer lots, and underwhelming materials make its price look questionable. The Chrysler 300, a proud and prestigious vehicle during the 1950s. Only with the current model has Chrysler revived the accolades and respect that once surrounded this proud nameplate. Thanks to its distinctive styling, roomy interior and powerful performance capabilities, the 2010 Chrysler 300 has become a popular choice in the large sedan segment. The 300C trim level, in particular, is an impressive vehicle thanks to its powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine. The 300 is offered in Touring, Touring Signature and Limited trim levels for rear-wheel-drive models and Touring Signature and Limited for the all-wheel-drive 300.
